Bold colors and thoughtful accents make LRMID's design perfect for a Joie de Vivre hotel.

When the Pacific Edge Hotel, the latest addition to Laguna Beach’s upscale cadre of hotels, needed some interior design in a jiffy before the season ended, they called LRM Interior Design.

After reading about Lisa McDennon’s qualifications and accolades, and finding out that she runs a local company, the owners of Pacific Edge were sold. Joie de Vivre Hotel Group, the company that owns and manages Pacific Edge, is known for their cutting-edge design and style for boutique hotels here in California, and it’s no surprise that LRM Interior Design was chosen for the job.

Without a lot of time to finish the hotel’s Greenroom Lounge, the team at LRM couldn’t take the time to special order or custom design any pieces, and relied on some of their trusted suppliers to furnish the lounge—that also happen to be open to the public, both online and at their retail locations.

For instance, the dining table was selected from Z Gallerie, and the wood chairs and coffee table came from Crate & Barrel. West Elm provided a glass-topped, kelly-green contemporary table, while pillows came from Pier 1.

Some items were from local sources, naturally, like the stunning photography on the walls from Tony Clark. Many of the accessories came from a local’s treasure trove, Laguna Colony Company in the heart of downtown, where the team selected many of the shell-decorated items and teak bowls.

But there are some things that have to be provided by the best, and that was the fabric by Kravet. The yellow and blue pattern of the communal table’s banquette could not be a better choice to complement the dramatic photo of the wave that hovers above.

This project finished just weeks before the 2011 ASID Orange County Awards, where Lisa and her team won yet another award, this time for Commercial Projects. Winning the Gold Award in this category with their modern designs for Golden Comm, a strategic web design firm in Orange County, proved LRM Interior Design’s prowess in this area that they seem to be moving into more and more frequently.

If you have an office, restaurant or hospitality space that needs just freshening up or a whole new look, contact LRM Interior Design for a consultation. With award-winning talent and the ability to translate a client’s dream into reality, it’s no wonder LRM Interior Design is one of Orange County’s top interior design firms. Call now on (949) 497-6806 or click here to use our online form to contact us.

Don't you want your next party here?

This glass-topped table with a natural-tree base is from Z Gallerie.

Pillows from Pier 1 and chairs from Crate & Barrel, accessories from Laguna Colony Company.

Cozy up next to the warm fire at the Pacific Edge Hotel's Greenroom Lounge.

Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House in gingerbread

1. Gingerbread Modern Houses: You don’t need to throw tradition out the window; that’s not what we’re saying! But how about getting a little creative with the spiced-and-baked architecture? Gingerbread houses can easily be built from using a kit that you buy at the store, but that’s too easy. How about a gingerbread house inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House? Before you think you need to be an Ace of Cakes—oh wait, yes you do. This one was created by April Reed Cake design and took over 25 hours to make! And you don’t even want to know how much it cost….but 15% of the proceeds went to the restoration project in the works for Farnsworth House when it was damaged in a flood a few years ago.

Dress up your pillows for the holidays

2. Pillows as Presents: We’re not advocating that you take your sofa pillows, wrap them up and start distributing them as gifts; not at all. (You could give someone a new pillow as a gift though!) But in the spirit of the holidays, why not take your pillows and wrap them with ribbon just like a present? Be creative: mix and match colors and ribbons to create a festive room. “It’s like a gift for your sofa and chairs!” says Jan Smith.

Z Gallerie's antler candlesticks are great alternative decor

3. Reindeer, Interrupted: Don’t worry—this is not Rudolph or Prancer, and they have not lost their antlers. These Marquette candlestick pair from Z Gallerie are cast in brass with a pewter finish. No animals were harmed in the making of these antler candleholders! Melissa Morgan says that these are “a fun, unique, and festive way to dress up your table!  Can be used for either a formal or casual dinner party.  These would also look great on a mantle or anywhere else in the home.  I love these!” But still, perhaps not the best choice for those with small children…

Use found items and gold paired with an unusual color

4. Ban Red and Green:  “I love the use of colors not normally used for the holidays like teal, brown and aqua,” says Jan Smith, Senior Designer. Many of us near the beach like to use found objects for decorating, especially for special occasions.  “I like the use of shells for not only the napkin holders but as table accents. Great for a sophisticated, beachy motif.”

Make your own centerpiece with branches and glitter

5. Get Your Glitter On: Nothing’s more fun than creating decor or gifts by yourself. With or without little ones to help you, get the Elmer’s glue out and as many kinds of glitter you can find at a craft store. Take a walk in your nearby nature area, be it a park or actual nature, and pick up some twigs and branches. Cover the table with newspaper and just go crazy! Melissa Morgan, a fan of all things glitter, found this idea from Martha Stewart, Queen of all things decorated, baked, sewn and generally gorgeous. “I love to use glitter in all of my holiday decorations, says Melissa. “This is sure to impress your friends and family, young or old.” For detailed instructions on the Martha Stewart site, please click here.

And without further ado, here’s our staff’s top picks:

Palmer by Niche Bedding

1. Palmer by Niche: Anyone who knows Senior Designer Jan Smith knows that her favorite colors are black and white, preferably together. So no surprise that she picked out Niche Bedding’s Palmer line, a modern but versatile bedding ensemble. “You can never go wrong with a crisp, white duvet cover,” says Jan. “And you can always add a pop of color to this set to make it your own.” Jan’s favorite part? “The graphic design on the shams is just delicious.” It brings a new meaning to eating in bed!

John Robshaw Indigo Turban Bedding

2. Anything by John Robshaw: Lisa McDennon is a fan of John Robshaw, and although we chose the Indigo Turban bedding pattern for the photo, all of his patterns are hits for her. “He has a great niche in the market,” explains Lisa. “His patterns have an ethnic, Moroccan and Indian influence that I love. The color and patterns are amazing—subtle yet unique.” Robshaw traveled to India as many young people do, but he fell in love with the textiles, and has decided to recreate them back here in the U.S. And we say thank you!

Giacosa by Designers Guild

3. Giacosa by Designers Guild: Melissa Morgan loves this British textile manufacturer. “They always have on-trend fabrics and wallpapers—and now bedding!” she says. And sticking with our gorgeous to touch theme, she also notes that the Giacosa collection is made from cotton sateen, so it doesn’t just look great, it’s feels great too. Those Brits understand the importance of a warm, comfy bed, we’ve realized…

Yvonne by Wildcat Territory

4. Yvonne by Wildcat Territory: Don’t worry, this bedding won’t attack you, but rather keep you snug in it’s stylish and modern design. Can you guess who picked this one? Yes, it’s Jan Smith again, loving the monochrome look. “This is a simple, classic bedding design that is like a blank canvas for whatever you want your bedroom to be,” Jan explains. “The sky is literally the limit with this ensemble,” she says, as it can be paired with either contemporary or traditional accents for a beautiful result every time.

Gate Ash by Dwell Studios

5. Gate Ash Duvet Set by Dwell Studios: This is a monochrome set too, but in a different way, as it starts with a rich, dusty brown. The bold pattern caught Melissa’s eye: “I absolutely love this pattern! Being monochromatic, you can add any color you wish to the palette.” Again, the LRMID designers are always looking at ways to customize even “off-the-shelf” products for their clients.

LRMID can create custom bedding and furniture

6. Custom Bedding by LRM Interior Design: Okay, this one’s cheating. But we were really pleased with how the custom bed turned out in this room. It wasn’t just the linens that were custom designed and made, the headboard, the curtains and the pillows on the window seat were all made to order. This bedroom won an ASID award, by the way! So when you can’t find the perfect bedding, just call us at LRM Interior Design, and we’ll design something that’s completely unique and just right for your room. Kari Seydewitz loves creating soft furnishings; she’ll be happy to get started right away. We also make custom furniture. It’s the perfect idea for a holiday gift for that person who has everything!

Saarinen Round Dining Table

1. Saarinen Round Dining Table, Room&Board: Here’s one for the youngsters or twenty-somethings just starting out. Or, maybe even those with a new family who are trying to establish their own holiday traditions, and only need to seat about six around the table, but do it with style. This version from Room&Board is inspired by Earo Saarinen’s graceful 1956 design, and is still as beautiful and relevant today as it was over 50 years ago. Some designs never seem to get dated! “Unconventional but always stylish,” comments Jan Smith, Senior Designer. “This table is great for that hipster couple or bachelor looking to make a statement. That statement being: ‘I know a great design when I see it.’”

Benchwright Dining Table

2. Benchwright Dining Table, Pottery Barn: Rustic, simple and versatile, the Pottery Barn’s Benchwright table is perfect for a large family gathering, especially Thanksgiving, which celebrates our early American roots. This table is inspired by early 20th century style of work tables, and the emphasis on craftsmanship. The extending table will seat 12, and shrink down for daily use for regular-sized family gatherings, and its weathered hardwood and wrought-iron construction will create a bold backdrop for entertaining. “I love the exposed hardware,” says Kristen Rusert. “I also like how it can take on different looks in so many types of spaces.”

Cross Extension Table

3. Cross Extension Table, Design Within Reach: Jan Smith explains: “I have always loved the modern lines of this table. We used this table for our beach-front condo project who wanted that clean contemporary feeling with a beachy vibe, even with a busy family.” As you know, Design Within Reach does not compliment an item that they don’t feel is top notch, and we don’t either. This table is a perfect blend of contemporary styling and the warmth of classic English furniture, and the design is truly amazing. It easily pulls apart in order to add two leaves, both of which store easily in felt-lined compartment on the table’s underside when not in use. Fancy that! No hiding the leaves under the spare bed until next year’s Christmas dinner!

Jeff Soderbergh's Vanderbilt Table

4. Jeff Soderbergh’s Vanderbilt Table: This table is stunning in itself, what with the reclaimed wood top and geometric polished chrome legs, and to top it off it was used in the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year. (Winning designer Jeff Lewis is also the star of Bravo’s show Flipped, but it seems that stardom hasn’t dulled his design talent!) Jeff Soderbergh’s table was created using traditional hand tools and re-claimed vintage Southern Yellow Pine rafters and beams from the Vanderbilt family stable at Sandy Point Farm in Portsmouth, RI. With timbers dating back over 200 years, you can’t beat the authenticity of the grooves and marks on this timber. Truly a unique piece that will add drama to any event—hopefully distracting the family from the usual holiday dramas!

LRM Interior Design Custom Dining Table

5. LRM Interior Design’s Custom Dynasty Dining Table: Yes, we saved the best for last—our own custom dining table that was part of the home that won us our Home of the Year from ASID this year. “We used this in my favorite project—a contemporary home in Newport Beach,” says Jan Smith. “This custom table was designed to complement the unusual lines of the chairs. It is made from Macassar ebony wood and is the foundation for this gorgeous room.” When a home is this beautiful, sometimes a piece of furniture needs to be designed to make that room look perfect. That was definitely the case here, and the judges obviously felt the same. This dining room will make any meal eaten there a special occasion!

Our luxury Newport Beach bachelor pad took Gold in Home of the Year Award! (over 3,500 sq. ft.)

This year’s ASID OC Design Awards took a nautical turn, as they were held aboard the Endeavor as it cruised through Newport Harbor. “It was a beautiful night,” recalls Lisa McDennon, who attended the awards with her husband Kevin, Senior Designer Jan Smith and new design staff member Melissa Morgan. “It was lovely to glide through the harbor and sip cocktails on the deck while mixing with some of Orange County’s top people in the industry!”

Before the evening’s events got started, Lisa, Jan and Melissa had the pleasure of chatting with the owners of Del Mar Lighting, a Tustin company that they’d had a chance to work with in the past. In a stroke of fate, Lisa, Kevin and the couple from Del Mar Lighting were seated at the same table, and they carried on their conversation as the event started.

Lisa also met Charise Buckley, another member of the interior design and ASID community, who had entered in the competition this year. Although she’d been a member of ASID for 20 years, this was the first time she’d entered a project. Lisa was especially happy to meet her because Charise lives and works in both Orange County and Colorado, and will be introducing Lisa to some great suppliers at the Denver Design Center. After scouring the OC for the right fabrics for her mountain home project, Lisa was happy at the prospect of a new trove of vendors in just the right market.

And then the ceremony started. The first award was for Best Living Room, and LRM had decided to enter this category at the last minute, but unfortunately, we didn’t win. “After that, I was too nervous to eat my dinner!” says Lisa. “I was on the edge of my seat during the entire dinner, waiting for the second to last award.”

That award was for Home of the Year over 3,500 sq. ft., and LRM had entered one of our luxury bachelor home projects that we had poured our heart and soul into. The minutes ticked on…the moment finally arrived.

And yes, we won! LRM Interior Design took the Gold award for Home of the Year over 3,500 sq. ft.!

“It means so much to receive such a prestigious award for this project, especially from my peers in the industry,” said Lisa after accepting the award for the team. “This project’s win reflects more than just the creativity and effort we put into it; it illustrates our design aesthetic and the height at which we place the bar for each of our projects.”

Of course, this follows our first-prize win at the popular ASID Designer Extravaganza event this summer, plus two awards last year at the ASID OC Design Awards 2009. The first was for Best Living Room and the second was for Best Special Room.

Lisa McDennon has also been recognized by House Beautiful magazine as one of their “Top Designers to Watch in 2010”—and what an accurate prediction that was on the part of the House Beautiful editors.

Are you ready to have your home transformed by award-winning design? Do you want to have a home that’s worthy of being featured in a national magazine? There’s no two ways about it—call LRM Interior Design for a complimentary consultation. Start with one room, or change the entire house! Arrange your appointment by calling (949) 497-6806 or via email.

Even bachelor pads deserve to shine.

As you know, we at LRM Interior Design love a little sparkle, whether it’s sinks, wallpaper or chandeliers. We like to add it somewhere in most of our designs. Hmmm…you may think. Isn’t LRM Interior Design known for designing Orange County’s best luxury bachelor pads? Well, yes we are. So how do you get sparkle in a gentleman’s home?

Sparkle can be masculine too, especially when it is in rock form—agate geodes, specifically. “Agate and other geodes are nature’s sculpture,” says Jan Smith, Senior Designer at LRM Interior Design. “We like to include them in rooms, as they are great for added abstract shapes and color.”

In LRMID’s Newport Beach luxury bachelor pad, which just won the 2010 ASID Award for Best O.C. Home Design over 3,500 sq. ft. (don’t worry, more on that soon!), an agate geode mounted on a stand creates a wonderful accent for the powder bathroom on the ground floor. The metal veins running through the agate are brought out by the organically shaped, solid bronze sink and faucets, and creates a look that is elegant—but not girly in any way.

And we don’t just tuck them away, either. Larger agate geodes look wonderful as table-top decorations, especially paired with succulents in the living area. “Putting the two together emphasizes the organic and elemental,” comments Jan. “Plus, they come in so many shapes and colors, you can definitely find one for any room you’re working on.”

We also never forget the Bauhaus motto: form and function. You can find many agate geodes online that have been polished and split in two, perfect for using as bookends, and heavy enough to actually work. Jan explains: “They add a little sparkle to bookcases while serving a purpose.”

We’re not shy about our talent for accessorizing, and we always are available for shopping trips with our clients to pick out accessories for a room or decorating for a special occasion; the big holidays of the year are approaching rather quickly! Hallowe’en will be here before we know it. There’s no time to delay. Call LRM Interior Design now to organize that shopping trip or for a free consultation for accessorizing one or more rooms in your house. Make sure it’s tip-top for when family comes for the holidays! Call (949) 497-6806 or click here to send us an email.

Please vote for design #20!

LRM Interior Design is up for the People’s Choice Award for the 2010 ASID OC Design Awards! Please help us by voting—it’s simple. All you have to do is click here, scroll to Design #20 and vote. The photo should look like the one to the left.

Vote now! Tell your friends and family! The awards are this Saturday night, so please vote right away.

For 2010, LRM Interior Design has entered two projects in to the ASID competition, and both are upscale bachelor residences. The People’s Choice Award is a separate category, and we would certainly love to get that kudos!

Last year, in 2009, you may remember that it was LRM Interior Design’s first time up to bat in the ASID OC Design Awards. For the first time, LRM Interior Design entered the competition in two categories. Our fearless leader, Lisa McDennon, barely had time to sit down before she was called up to receive her first award. And if you think she was floored by that one, you should have seen her when they called her name for the second time!

Then there was the win for the Designer Runway Extravaganza and, although not technically an interior design award, it showed Lisa and her team’s ability to adapt, roll with the punches and show grace under pressure.

So for the 2010 ASID OC Design Awards, we expect nothing but the highest marks and to take home all the awards we can. So keep your fingers crossed on Saturday night, when Lisa McDennon and Senior Designer Jan Smith will be at the ceremony, sailing Newport Harbor on The Endeavor. And keep your eyes peeled for an update after the event! Best of luck!

The Electrolux washer in Red Hot Red

Who says laundry can’t be fun? We love designing laundry rooms, and can’t wait to use a washer and dryer from Electrolux’s latest collection. When it comes to laundry, we all want our whites white and our colors bright, right? With Electrolux’s new line, what we want on the inside is right on the outside. The washers and dryers come in Red Hot Red, Mediterranean Blue, Turquoise Sky, Island White and Silver Sands, and will add that extra spark to a laundry room.

There are so many features that make the machines themselves wonderful (18 minutes to wash, 18 minutes to dry, extremely quiet and eco-friendly), but we also like how they, ahem, stack up. From a design standpoint, their versatility is very attractive; they can stack, be freestanding or under a counter, the doors can be reversed and they have optional pedestal drawers.

Other appliance companies have followed suit with the colors, so check out LG, GE and Whirlpool, to name a few. Like with cars, many people have their favorite appliance brand, so make sure you shop around to find the color and manufacturer of your choice.

An example of a well-designed laundry room

We at LRM Interior Design are fans of the under-counter washer and dryer, and have been known to build them into a custom cupboard. Laundry rooms are supposed to be practical, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful too. Organization is key, as is space to work so that the laundry doesn’t have to be spread out all over the house; having a laundry room means that you contain your laundry in one space. There are so many ways to tuck away ironing boards, hampers and washing accessories that your laundry room will be tidy 24/7…especially when you feel like you’re doing laundry for that long!

As designers, we are space planners, and always look for the best way to design a home to suit a family’s needs. Homework doesn’t always get done at the kitchen table anymore, now that computers are essential to work, homework and play. If your laundry room is large enough, create an area for a home office. A desk can easily be built into a corner, bookshelves and cabinets line the walls around it, while the whisper-quiet laundry machines work their magic on the other side of the room.

Plus, these washers and dryers are so versatile—and so nice to look at—that you can actually consider adding them to your existing home office!

For a consultation on how to create the laundry room of your dreams, contact LRM Interior Design by clicking here or calling (949) 497-6806. Unfortunately, there’s one thing we can’t do—make the actual laundry disappear…

Second confession: we couldn’t even fit all of our favorite wallpapers into one Faves blog! So watch out for part two, when we present our favorite patterned wallpapers.

But now, for our favorite—shall we say off the wall?—choices:

Schumacher Kyoko Mica

1. Schumacher Kyoko Mica in Silver: Jan Smith wowed us with this one, especially since we have used it in one of our high-end bachelor pad guest bathrooms. “For that project, we used a bronze colorway of this paper, and in the small bathroom, it added sparkle, texture and a much-needed presence,” Jan explains. “It is the first thing you notice when you enter the room, and the impact of it stays with you after you leave.” It’s a lot to ask from a wallpaper, Jan admits, “but it delivers!”

Maya Romanoff Chevron Mother of Pearl wall tiles

2. Maya Romanoff Chevron Mother of Pearl: These wall tiles made out of real, hand-inlaid shell are sure to impress. “The chevron pattern gives this design and edge over the traditional horizontal application,” comments Melissa Morgan, LRM Interior Design’s latest addition to the design team. “Plus, this wall covering is so beautiful it can stand alone on any wall.” These 18-inch square tiles come in natural or golden pearl, and look like they were taken from a Russian imperial palace.

Phillip-Jeffries Horsehair Wallcovering Collection

3. Phillip-Jeffries Ltd. Horsehair: Kari Seydewitz, lately the model for the Designer Runway Extravaganza win for ASID, turns her pretty head back to design by choosing this textured wallcovering. “I couldn’t choose any of the colors—I love them all, and the texture,” she says. Phillip-Jeffries reinterprets a “true classic” with inspiration from the rich fabrics woven in early 19th century France. This elegant and modern collection certainly brings a nobility to any design.

The incredible Nest Collection from Schumacher

4. Schumacher Nest Collection: Yes. Real feathers. It’s hard to believe, and even more so when you see the large selection of patterns and colorways! This example is made from peacock and pheasant feathers, and all versions are crafted entirely by hand, and thankfully, the feathers are all humanely gathered. Not recommended for our clients with birding dogs or indoor cats…but for those with luxurious tastes and a lofty vision.

Innovations Murano Molto Beaded Wallcovering

5. Innovations Murano Molto: From the animal to the mineral…this wallpaper has to be seen to be believed. It is made from 100% glass beads, and as Jan Smith says, “The picture of this wallcovering doesn’t do it justice. You have to see, touch and experience the glamour of it to fully appreciate how special it is. I love it because it reminds me of a fabulous red carpet gown.” Jan also warns against the faint of heart installing this wallpaper, just for those who “have the aesthetic that’s just as bold and dazzling!”

Wallteriors Limestone Wallpaper

6. Wallteriors Limestone: Another favorite of our Senior Designer Jan Smith, this wallpaper comes in 30-foot long panels and five different widths, plus the choice of a straight or hand-torn stained edge. “This paper has it all! The look of a stone or natural rock wall, or even something you’d find in the deepest ocean. The application is so versatile that you can create patterns that are unique, evoking a feeling of nature and art.”

Innovations Grasscloth

7. Innovations Grasscloth Collection: We at LRMID love many things, and one at the top of the list is grasscloth. Why? Well, for one, it’s wallcovering with texture, and although it is subtle, it gives a room more detail. Another reason is that it’s a natural product that is more environmentally friendly, and we always like that. One more? It’s so versatile that it can work for any room in the house. Our favorites are Innovations’ Kyoto, Fuji and Sapporo-Soba.

As always, if you’d like a consultation on how to use these fabulous faves in your home, office, retail space or resort, please contact LRM Interior Design by calling (949) 497-6806 or click here for our form.

And remember, these wallpapers are not ones that are recommended for the DIY enthusiast. Many of these specialty fabrics are not only expensive, but are difficult to work with, and require expert installation.

The dramatic New Zealand coastline

LRM Interior Design is pleased to announce yet another new project, and an international project, no less! One of LRMID’s longstanding clients has recently decided to redesign a beach house on the New Zealand coast, and has awarded LRM Interior Design with the project.

Lisa has a way with beautiful designs for coastal properties, maximizing the natural light and bringing the organic elements of the seaside to the interior. The project is sure to be another wonderful example of the talents of Lisa McDennon and the LRM team, and it’s suggested that it will lead to another redesign project for the same client.

The team has their bags packed for a trip down under, but before that happens, there is much preparation to be done. The client is in the process of sending over photos of the rooms to be redesigned, and when we get them we will definitely share. Colorboards and space plans will be created, and we will keep you all updated with everything that inspires the team on this project.

So stay tuned for an update on the New Zealand project!